Bakeries may receive wheat from state reserve

The Government is to consider helping the bakeries that sustain losses so that they do not increase the price of bread. According to Prime Minister Vlad Filat, the issue will be discussed at the September 22 meeting of the Cabinet, Info-Prim Neo reports. The bread makers may receive the necessary quantities of wheat from the state reserve so as to overcome the crisis, said the Premier. [Update] In a news conference on September 21, Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Valeriu Cosarciuc said 15,000 tonnes of wheat would be distributed to the over 100 national bakeries from the state reserve. “15,000 tonnes represent 25% of the wheat stored in the state reserve,” he stated, adding the wheat will be lent for a period of six months. Last week, the Balti-based bakery raised the price of bread by 0.25 lei, arguing it was working at a loss. Other smaller bread makers also resorted to price increases.